Kulgam Horticulture Department Offers 50% Subsidy on Anti-Hail Nets to Protect Orchards From Crop Losses
Kulgam, Aug 12, KNT: In a move aimed at reducing crop losses caused by hailstorms, the Horticulture Department in Kulgam is providing anti-hail nets to orchardists at a 50 per cent subsidy, with subsidy assistance extended so far crossing ₹1.30 lakh.
Chief Horticulture Officer Kulgam Muhammad Ramzan Var said the anti-hail nets can be used in both high-density and traditional orchards, allowing growers with different orchard systems to protect their fruit crops from hailstorm damage.
He said orchardists are availing the subsidy, with assistance of ₹14,000 being provided under the scheme for eligible beneficiaries.
The department’s initiative is intended to encourage orchardists to install protective netting before the onset of hail-prone weather and reduce the financial losses that can follow damage to fruit-bearing trees.
Hailstorms can cause direct physical damage to fruit and trees, affecting both the current crop and, in some cases, the productive capacity of orchards. The use of anti-hail nets provides growers with a preventive measure against such losses.
The Horticulture Department has been promoting protective measures among orchardists as part of efforts to safeguard fruit production and reduce weather-related risks to the horticulture sector. [KNT]
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![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
